Animal Cruelty and Fighting Investigations

Newport News, Virginia 04/06/2018

Newport News, Virginia 04/06/2018

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Course Description:

The Department of Criminal Justice Services will partner with the Humane Society of the United States to provide training to Virginia sworn law enforcement officers and animal control officers related to investigating dog fighting, cock fighting, animal cruelty crimes and large scale breeding operations commonly referred to as puppy mills. Often animal cruelty and abuse is a predictor of violence against people. It is imperative that law enforcement agencies ensure that animal abuse cases are taken seriously. In doing so, they frequently find themselves educating prosecutors and police officers about the link between crimes against animals and crimes against humans.

Participants will learn how to detect, investigate and take action in their jurisdiction. The training will also provide attendees with information and resources to strategically respond to animal fighting and cruelty. The trainers are former and current law enforcement and experts in enforcing animal protection laws.

Topics to be addressed include:

· Dog Fighting and Cock Fighting

· Basic Terminology

· Forms of Confinement

· Investigative Techniques

· Documenting a Crime Scene

· Identifying Illegal Profits

· Virginia Laws Related to Animal Cruelty

· Developing Your Case

· Search Warrants and Affidavits

· Large scale seizures

Who Should Attend?

This training is being offered to sworn law enforcement officers and animal control officers from Virginia.

Partial In-service Credit:

Law enforcement officers will receive 7 PIC hours. Please note: PIC hours are an estimate and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Cost

There is no fee to attend this training.

Travel, Lodging and Meals:

Transportation, lodging and meals are the responsibility of the participant.

Training Time & Details:

Sign in begins at 7:30 a.m.

Training begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.

Registration:

Please note that the DCJS’ registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the assigned course director to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance to the course.